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We are fox fans in this house, especially since my son Dexter was born, I just kept thinking of him as my fox cub and so he has grown-up having a strong connection with foxes. The Christmas before last he asked his Ma (Grandma) to make him a fox as her gift to him, which of course she lovingly did as all good crafty grandma’s would, and he has treasured it ever since, often telling me of his love for Ma’s fox nightly as he hugs it (more gently now, since he made the neck floppy and had to ask for a stuffing re-fill).

Last Autumn when I first saw the beautiful cover of illustrator Coralie Bickford-Smith’s new book The Fox And the Star, I knew just what my mum should give Dexie for Christmas.

When he opened it he got it instantly…a book about my fox! he exclaimed in wonder and joy.

Even without the fox fever that seems to have gripped our family you can’t help but appreciate the stunning design and illustrations of this delightful book. It is a tactile and visual feast for your senses. From the pleasing feel of the cloth bound book with the striking white print and text on the cover, with its details of spider’s web and beetle, the gorgeous illustrations within down to the lovely end papers.

When a book is by an award-winning illustrator such as this one is, there’s a concern that the story might be secondary to the visuals and whilst the story here is possibly not a childhood classic it is perfectly charming in its gentle telling of the lonely fox whose friend the star guides him though his nightly forest exploration, until it disappears one night leaving the fox scared and alone until he comes back into his life.

The message in the story is positive and uplifting, about facing your fears, about trusting your instincts and going beyond your comfort zone to seek the wonder in the world.

A message I am more than happy to tell my children.

Rating out of 5 ♥ :

Design: ♥♥♥♥♥

Story: ♥♥♥♥

Total: 4.5 ♥

My own fox homage in applique form. Available on a MIDI size teepee, the perfect little reading nook and calm space to dream and imagine in.

Have a happy Sunday. We will be mostly eating, playing and packing for our trip #excited here's a lovely pink wall for you 😚20766224_1586388988078073_3953947975029358592_n

New artwork hiding behind the teepee (only taken 18months to frame 😬) nearly on the wall...another few months then! Still deciding where to hang it #decisionsdecisions love the print though @lisagrue 🙌🏼20838331_756406501211956_4984317870654619648_n

There's nothing like an impending royal visit to make you Spring clean the house @mightymech 😜 Pic of an order I finished a few days ago, I like the combination of the fox teepee with the gold half moon garland. My shops are on vacation mode for a couple of weeks now whilst we spend some family time...sorry for the inconvenience x20687824_408299852901424_8451453816900943872_n

Really for (almost) anything after this brekki more orders going out today if you are waiting then I'm shutting my shops for a while (until 26 August) xx #familytime20686883_1482287611839514_8042166334357766144_n